Transportation device between layers and sections

Abstract

In order to arrange more transfer devices around a transfer device, an inter-stage transfer device (10) is provided with: a lifting unit (2) that holds a container (60) and moves in the vertical direction between a plurality of stages, and that has a transfer mechanism (5) that transfers the container (60); and a transfer conveyor (3) that conveys the container (60) between the transfer conveyor (30) and the transfer mechanism (5), in which the transfer conveyor (30) transfers the container (60) to the overhead conveyance device (20) for conveying the container (60).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inter-layer transport device which transports a transport object between layers and transfers the transport object with a handover transport device of each layer. Background Art

[0002] The inter-layer transport device transports articles between layers and transfers articles with the handover transport device of each layer. The handover transport device transfers articles with respect to the transport device such as the ceiling-mounted transport device that transports articles on each layer. For example, Patent Document 1 states that in a cylindrical segment body arranged to penetrate the floors of each layer, a transfer device that is raised and lowered by a lifting unit directly transfers articles with an in-and-out transport device (handover transport device) arranged on each layer.

[0003] (Prior art literature)

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-178712 Summary of the invention

[0005] (Problems to be solved by the invention)

[0006] In the above-mentioned inter-level transport device, the end of the delivery transport device that directly transfers articles with the transfer device is arranged near the transfer device. Therefore, the number of such ends arranged around the transfer device, that is, the number of delivery transport devices, is limited to a small number.

[0007] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an inter-layer transport device capable of configuring more transfer transport devices around a transfer device.

[0008] (Technical means to solve the problem)

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problem, an inter-layer transport device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a lifting section, which holds the transported object to move in the up and down directions between multiple layers, and has a transfer mechanism for transferring the transported object; and a transit transport section, which transports the transported object between a handover transport device and the transfer mechanism, wherein the handover transport device performs the handover of the transported object relative to the transport device within the layer to which the transported object is to be transported.

[0010] (Effects of the Invention)

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, more transfer and handling devices can be arranged around the transfer device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a front view of the structure of a transport system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a top view of the configuration structure of the inter-layer conveying device, the handover conveyor and the transfer conveyor in the conveying system.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a front view of the structure of the overhead transport device in the transport system.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the configuration structure of the transfer mechanism, the handover conveyor and the transfer conveyor in the transport system.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a side view of the structure of the lifting part which the said inter-stage transport device has.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the structure of the transfer mechanism.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a top view of the structure of a storage rack provided at the lowest part of the inter-stage transport device.

[0019] <Description of Reference Numerals>

[0020] 1. Frame

[0021] 2 Lifting unit

[0022] 3. Transfer conveyor (transfer transport unit)

[0023] 10-layer inter-section transport device

[0024] 20 Suspended overhead handling device (in-layer handling device)

[0025] 30 Handover conveyor (handover transport device)

[0026] 32 The second transport section (rotating section)

[0027] 60 containers (transported goods)

[0028] IR1~IR3 inner area

[0029] L gap area DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] [Structure of inter-layer transport device]

[0031] The transport system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below.

[0032] Figure 1 It is a front view of the structure of the conveying system 100. Figure 2It is a plan view of the arrangement structure of the inter-stage transport device 10 , the transfer conveyor 30 , and the transfer conveyor 3 in the transport system 100 . Figure 3 It is a front view of the structure of the overhead transport device 20 in the transport system 100.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the transport system 100 includes an inter-stage transport device 10 , an overhead transport device 20 (intra-stage transport device), a transfer conveyor 30 (transfer transport device), an air blower 40 , and a storage rack 50 .

[0034] The inter-stage transport device 10 is a device for transporting the container 60 (transported object) between stages. The inter-stage transport device 10 will be described in detail later.

[0035] Here, the container 60 is described. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the container 60 has a storage portion 60a, a flange portion 60b, and a convex portion 60c. If the transport system 100 is provided for a semiconductor manufacturing facility, the storage portion 60a is used to store semiconductor wafers, etc. The flange portion 60b is provided at the center of the top plate of the container 60. The convex portion 60c is located at the rear end of the top plate of the container 60 and is formed to extend from the entire width direction of the container 60 (in the same direction as the width of the container 60). Figure 3 The end edge (in a direction orthogonal to the left-right direction and the up-down direction) protrudes upward.

[0036] The ceiling-mounted transport device 20 is a transport vehicle that travels along a track 70 suspended from the ceiling S of each floor (inside the floor). Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , an example is shown in which the overhead transport device 20 moves on the first-floor ceiling S1 and the second-floor ceiling S2. Figure 3 As shown, the overhead transport device 20 includes a traveling portion 21 and a main body 22 .

[0037] The plurality of wheels 21 b driven by the drive motor 21 a roll on the rails 70 , so that the traveling unit 21 travels.

[0038] The main body 22 includes a frame 22a, a lifting drive unit 22b, a plurality of lifting belts 22c, and a gripping portion 22d. The frame 22a is used to protect the container 60, and the lower portion and the side portion are open for the transfer of the container 60. The lifting drive unit 22b rolls up or lowers the lifting belt 22c by the rotational driving force of the motor. The lifting drive unit 22b raises the gripping portion 22d by rolling up the lifting belt 22c, and lowers the gripping portion 22d by lowering the lifting belt 22c. The gripping portion 22d switches the opening and closing of the chuck between a gripping position for gripping the flange portion 60b of the container 60 and a release position for releasing the grip on the flange portion 60b.

[0039] The handover conveyor 30 is a transport device that transports the container 60 between the transfer mechanism 5 or the transfer conveyor 3 described later and the overhead transport device 20. The handover conveyor 30 delivers the container 60 to the transfer mechanism 5 directly or via the transfer conveyor 3, and delivers the container 60 to the overhead transport device 20. The details of the handover conveyor 30 will be described together with the details of the inter-stage transport device 10.

[0040] The air blower 40 is a device for blowing air into the inner side of the frame body 1 described later that is provided in the inter-stage conveying device 10. The air blower 40 blows out purified air in order to keep the air in the frame body 1 clean. Therefore, a fan filter unit is preferably used as the air blower 40. The configuration of the air blower 40 will be described together with the details of the inter-stage conveying device 10.

[0041] The storage rack 50 is a rack for temporarily storing the container 60. The arrangement of the storage rack 50 will be described together with the details of the inter-stage transport device 10. The details of the storage rack 50 will be described later.

[0042] [Structure of inter-layer transport device]

[0043] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the arrangement structure of the transfer mechanism 5 , the delivery conveyor 30 , and the transfer conveyor 3 .

[0044] The inter-stage transport device 10 includes a frame body 1, a lifting unit 2, and a transfer conveyor 3 (transfer transport unit).

[0045] The frame body 1 is configured as an outer contour that surrounds a portion of the transfer conveyor 3 and the lifting part 2, and is arranged in a manner that penetrates each layer section. The frame body 1 has a lower section 11 and an upper section 12 in each layer section. The lower section 11 is the lower part of each layer section, wherein each layer section corresponds to a specified range along the up-down direction. Specifically, the lower section 11 is arranged in a height range for people to enter and exit. The upper section 12 is the upper part within the specified range along the up-down direction, and specifically, the upper section 12 is arranged in a range higher than the height for people to enter and exit. As described later, only the lower section 11 (11F) arranged on the ground F of the first floor has a different structure from the lower section 11 arranged above the second floor.

[0046] Here, the ground above the second floor is located Figure 1 The layer segment is shown above the ceiling S, but for convenience, the illustration is omitted.

[0047] like Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , the inner region IR1 surrounded by the lower section 11F is in a square shape. The inner region IR2 surrounded by the upper section 12 is formed in the same square shape as the inner region IR1 as a whole, and some of the four corners of the square are missing. Figure 2 In the example shown, if the side where the lifting mechanism 4 described later is arranged in the frame body 1 is located is set as the rear, then the two corner areas of the inner area IR2 on the front side of the square are missing. As for the inner area IR3 surrounded by the lower stage 11 arranged above the second floor, it is contained in the inner area IR2 and has a square shape.

[0048] The lower stage 11 has a frame 11a constituting an outer frame and a wall 11b fitted with the frame 11a. The lower stage 11 is isolated from the outside by the wall 11b over its entire periphery. A storage rack 50 is disposed inside the lower stage 11F.

[0049] The upper portion 12 includes a transfer portion 121 and a non-transfer portion 122. The non-transfer portion 122 is disposed above the transfer portion 121.

[0050] The transfer unit 121 is a part for transferring the container 60 between the transfer mechanism 5 and the handover conveyor 30. The transfer unit 121 has a frame 121a constituting an outer frame. The container 60 is transferred through the open part of the frame 121a. In addition, a wall body (not shown) is embedded in the rear part of the frame 121a where the container 60 is not transferred.

[0051] The non-transferring part 122 has a frame 122a constituting an outer frame, and a wall body 122b engaged with the frame 122a. With the help of the wall body 122b, the non-transferring part 122 achieves isolation between the inside and the outside of its entire periphery. The aforementioned blower 40 is arranged on the wall surface of the wall body 122b arranged at a certain interval in the up-down direction.

[0052] The outer periphery of the portion where the top end surface of the non-transferring portion 122 of each layer butts against the lower section 11 of the previous layer is covered by a wall body 122b (not shown). In addition, the outer periphery of the portion where the bottom end surface of the transfer portion 121 of the second layer or above butts against the lower section 11 of the same layer is covered by a wall body 122b (not shown).

[0053] A plurality of transfer conveyors 30 are arranged around the transfer unit 121. Figure 2 In the example shown, as the delivery conveyor 30 , delivery conveyors 30A to 30E are arranged.

[0054] The handover conveyor 30A is arranged in front of the transfer mechanism 5. The handover conveyor 30B is arranged on one side of the transfer mechanism 5, and the handover conveyor 30C is arranged on the other side of the transfer mechanism 5. The handover conveyor 30D is arranged parallel to the handover conveyor 30A on the side of the handover conveyor 30A close to the handover conveyor 30B. The handover conveyor 30E is arranged parallel to the handover conveyor 30C on the side of the handover conveyor 30C close to the handover conveyor 30A.

[0055] The ends of the transfer conveyors 30A to 30C are arranged close to the transfer mechanism 5, so that the containers 60 are directly transferred with the transfer mechanism 5. The ends of the transfer conveyors 30D and 30E are arranged relatively far from the transfer mechanism 5, so that the containers 60 are transferred with the transfer mechanism 5 via the transfer conveyor 3.

[0056] The handover conveyor 30 is composed of two conveyor belts, for example, and has a conveying base 301 and a pair of conveying belts 302. The conveying base 301 is a plate-shaped platform formed long along the conveying direction. The conveying belt 302 is a narrow circulating belt arranged on both sides of the conveying direction, and is driven by a motor via a driving roller.

[0057] The transfer conveyor 3 transports the container 60 between the transfer mechanism 5 and the handover conveyors 30D and 30E. The transfer conveyor 3 hands over the container 60 to the transfer mechanism 5 on the inner side of the frame body 1, and hands over the container 60 to the handover conveyors 30 (30D and 30E) on the outer side of the frame body 1. The transfer conveyor 3 is arranged so as to straddle the inner and outer sides of the frame body 1.

[0058] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, one conveying path of the transfer conveyor 3 is located on a straight line connecting the transfer mechanism 5 and the handover conveyor 30D. The other conveying path of the transfer conveyor 3 is located on a straight line connecting the transfer mechanism 5 and the handover conveyor 30E. At least a portion of the conveying path of the transfer conveyor 3 is arranged in the triangular notch area L ( Figure 2 The notch area L is equivalent to the missing corner area.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the transfer conveyor 3 has a first conveying part 31 and a second conveying part 32 (rotating part). Like the handover conveyor 30, the first conveying part 31 and the second conveying part 32 are both composed of two conveyor belts. The first conveying part 31 is arranged at a position close to the transfer mechanism 5, so that the container 60 is conveyed between the transfer mechanism 5 and the second conveying part 32. The second conveying part 32 is arranged at a position close to the handover conveyor 30, so that the container 60 is conveyed between the first conveying part 31 and the handover conveyor 30, thereby performing the handover of the container 60 with respect to the handover conveyor 30.

[0060] The first conveying section 31 includes a bottom plate 31a, a pair of side portions 31b, a pair of conveying belts 31c, and two sets of driving rollers 31d. The side portions 31b are plate-shaped portions formed by standing from two side edges of the bottom plate 31a formed in a square shape. Conveying belts 31c are provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the pair of side portions 31b. The conveying belts 31c are narrow circulating belts, which are driven by a motor by means of two driving rollers 31d in a set.

[0061] The second conveying portion 32 includes a bottom plate portion 32a, a pair of side portions 32b, a pair of conveying belts 32c, and two sets of driving rollers 32d. The side portions 32b are plate-shaped portions formed by standing from two side edges of the bottom plate portion 32a formed in a square shape. Conveying belts 32c are provided on mutually opposing surfaces of the pair of side portions 32b. The conveying belts 32c are narrow circulating belts, which are driven by a driving motor by means of two driving rollers 32d in a set.

[0062] The transfer mechanism 5 can simultaneously hold two containers 60 as described later. In this regard, the transfer conveyor 3 is configured to simultaneously receive and deliver two containers 60 to the transfer mechanism 5. Specifically, the first conveying unit 31 and the second conveying unit 32 can each carry one container 60.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, when the first conveying unit 31 and the second conveying unit 32 deliver the container 60 to the transfer mechanism 5, and when the first conveying unit 31 and the second conveying unit 32 deliver the container 60 to each other, their respective conveying directions and conveying paths are consistent. In addition, when the second conveying unit 32 delivers the container 60 to the delivery conveyor 30D, 30E, the second conveying unit 32 rotates in the horizontal plane in the direction of the arrow so that the conveying direction is aligned with the delivery conveyor 30D, 30E.

[0064] It should be noted that the configuration examples of the transfer conveyor 3 and the handover conveyor 30 are not limited to Figure 2 Example shown.

[0065] 〔Structure of the lifting part〕

[0066] Figure 5 It is a side view of the structure of the lifting unit 2 included in the inter-stage transport device 10 . Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the transfer mechanism 5 .

[0067] The lifting unit 2 includes a lifting mechanism 4 and a transfer mechanism 5 .

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to move the transfer mechanism 5 in the up-down direction, the lifting mechanism 4 includes a guide rail 4a, a lifting platform 4b, a first lifting belt 4c, and a second lifting belt 4d.

[0069] The guide rail 4a is arranged to penetrate each layer according to the range of vertical movement of the transfer mechanism 5, and is formed in a cylindrical shape. A counterweight (not shown) is arranged inside the guide rail 4a, and the counterweight can move in the vertical direction. The lifting platform 4b has wheels that roll inside and outside the guide rail 4a in a manner that clamps the wall surface of the guide rail 4a.

[0070] One end of the first lifting belt 4c is connected to the upper end of the lifting platform 4b, and the other end of the first lifting belt 4c is connected to the upper end of the counterweight. One end of the second lifting belt 4d is connected to the lower end of the lifting platform 4b, and the other end of the second lifting belt 4d is connected to the lower end of the counterweight. In the mechanism system formed by the lifting platform 4b, the first lifting belt 4c, the second lifting belt 4d and the counterweight, the rotation drive device (not shown) provided at the upper end of the guide rail 4a retracts and sends the first lifting belt 4c in the up-down direction, thereby raising and lowering the lifting platform 4b.

[0071] The transfer mechanism 5 holds the container 60 and moves it between the multiple layers in the up-down direction through the lifting mechanism 4, thereby transferring the container 60. Figure 6 As shown, the transfer mechanism 5 includes a lifting plate 51 , a holding plate 52 , a moving support portion 53 , a bending and stretching link 54 , a support table 55 , and a lifting support body 56 .

[0072] The lifting plate 51 is a plate member having a length sufficient to place two containers 60. A plurality of protrusions (not shown) are provided on the top surface of the lifting plate 51 to fit into recesses on the bottom surface of the container 60 for positioning the container 60. The lifting plate 51 is driven by the moving support 53 to be lifted and lowered.

[0073] The holding plate 52 is a member for holding the container 60 by pressing the top end surface of the container 60 placed on the lifting plate 51, and is arranged above the lifting plate 51 in parallel with the lifting plate 51. The holding plate 52 includes a top plate portion 521, a pair of side plate portions 522, and a support plate portion 523. The top plate portion 521 is a portion in contact with the top end surface of the container 60, and has a length capable of pressing two containers 60.

[0074] The top plate 521 is provided with two first openings 521a and two second openings 521b spaced apart from each other along the long side direction of the top plate 521. The first opening 521a has substantially the same shape and size as the flange 60b of the container 60, so that the flange 60b can be inserted into the first opening 521a. The second opening 521b has substantially the same shape and size as the convex portion 60c of the container 60, so that the convex portion 60c can be inserted into the second opening 521b.

[0075] The support plate portion 523 is provided on the rear end side of the top plate portion 521 opposite to the front end side of the top plate portion 521, from which the holding plate 52 receives the container 60. The support plate portion 523 is formed to hang down from the rear end edge of the top plate portion 521. The support plate portion 523 is fixed to the upper portion of the lifting support plate 53a described later of the movable support portion 53.

[0076] The side plate portions 522 are formed to hang down from both side ends of the top plate portion 521. The side plate portions 522 are provided to prevent the container 60 from overflowing due to the rotation of the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52.

[0077] The movable support part 53 is moved by the bending and stretching link 54. The movable support part 53 supports the lifting plate 51 so that the lifting plate 51 can be lifted and lowered, and fixes the top plate part 521. The movable support part 53 includes a lifting support plate 53a and a movable support plate 53b.

[0078] The lifting support plate 53a is formed in a manner extending in the up-down direction, and has a built-in lifting drive mechanism (not shown). When the container 60 is to be delivered to the transfer conveyor 3, the lifting support plate 53a lowers the lifting plate 51 to the lowest position of the movable range through the lifting drive mechanism. In addition, when the transfer mechanism 5 is lifted, the lifting support plate 53a raises the lifting plate 51 to the highest position of the movable range through the lifting drive mechanism. The moving support plate 53b is formed in a manner extending from the bottom end of the lifting support plate 53a in a direction perpendicular to the lifting support plate 53a. The moving support plate 53b is driven by the flexion-extension link 54.

[0079] The flexion-extension link 54 moves the movable support portion 53 between the lifting position and the handover position by flexing and extending the two arms 54a and 54b. Figure 6 As shown, the lifting position is a position defined for lifting and lowering the transfer mechanism 5. The delivery position is a position for delivering the container 60 between the end of the delivery conveyors 30A to 30C and the first transport section 31 of the transfer conveyor 3.

[0080] The support platform 55 is a base that supports the bending and extension link 54. The support platform 55 has a drive mechanism that drives the bending and extension link 54 built therein.

[0081] The lifting support body 56 supports the support platform 55 and is fixed to the lifting platform 4b of the lifting mechanism 4. Thus, the transfer mechanism 5 is lifted and lowered along the guide rail 4a by the lifting support body 56.

[0082] 〔Storage rack structure〕

[0083] Figure 7 It is a plan view of the structure of the storage rack 50 provided at the lowermost portion of the inter-stage transport device 10 .

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown, the storage rack 50 has two pillars 501 , four fixing portions 502 , a middle support plate 503 and two support portions 504 .

[0085] The support 501 is disposed near the corner frame 11a of the lower stage 11F in a manner of standing upright from the ground F. One support 501 is disposed close to the wall 11b provided on one horizontal side of the frame 11a, and the other support 501 is disposed close to the wall 11b provided on the other horizontal side of the frame 11a.

[0086] The fixing portion 502 connects the upper and lower ends of the support column 501 to the wall body 11 b , thereby fixing the support column 501 to the wall body 11 b .

[0087] The middle support plate 503 connects the two pillars 501. Figure 1 As shown, the upper half of the middle portion of the middle supporting plate 503 has a recess, so that the lifting plate 51 of the transfer mechanism 5 can pass through the recess.

[0088] The support parts 504 are plate-shaped parts provided in parallel with each other, and they extend from both ends of the upper edge of the intermediate support plate 503 so as to be perpendicular to the surface of the intermediate support plate 503. The support parts 504 have a length capable of supporting one container 60.

[0089] The storage rack 50 constructed as described above supports and stores only the single container 60 held at the holding position on the inner side of the transfer mechanism 5. Figure 7 Although the storage rack 50 is shown to be provided in the vicinity of one of the four corners of the lower stage portion 11F, the storage rack 50 may be provided at two corners in the movable range of the transfer mechanism 5 .

[0090] [Operation of the inter-layer transport device]

[0091] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the bending and extending link 54 of the transfer mechanism 5 rotates the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 so that the container 60 faces the direction of the arrow. In addition, the bending and extending link 54 rotates while moving the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 straightly forward in the direction of the arrow until the two containers 60 are sent to the transfer conveyor 3. The transfer mechanism 5 lowers the lifting plate 51 at the position where the two containers 60 arrive on the transfer conveyor 3. As a result, the container 60 held on the inner side of the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 is placed on the conveying belt 31c of the first conveying part 31, and the container 60 held on the outer side of the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 is placed on the conveying belt 32c of the second conveying part 32.

[0092] The second transport unit 32 Figure 4The second conveying unit 32 starts from the direction shown in the figure and rotates in the direction of the arrow so that its conveying direction is consistent with the conveying direction of the handover conveyor 30E. Then, the second conveying unit 32 drives the conveying belt 32c to convey the container 60 placed on the conveying belt 32c to the handover conveyor 30E. In this way, the container 60 is transferred from the second conveying unit 32 to the handover conveyor 30.

[0093] When the transfer of the container 60 from the second conveying unit 32 to the delivery conveyor 30 is completed, the second conveying unit 32 rotates to Figure 4 In this state, the first conveying unit 31 drives the conveying belt 31c to convey the container 60 placed on the conveying belt 31c to the second conveying unit 32. The second conveying unit 32 conveys the container 60 conveyed from the first conveying unit 31 to the handover conveyor 30 for handover in the above-mentioned manner.

[0094] If two containers 60 conveyed from the delivery conveyor 30E are conveyed to the transfer mechanism 5, the second conveying unit 32 controls the direction of the machine so that the conveying direction of the machine is consistent with the conveying direction of the delivery conveyor 30, and receives the container 60 from the delivery conveyor 30 in this direction. Figure 4 The container 60 is transported to the first transport section 31. Then, the second transport section 32 rotates in the direction of the arrow to control the direction of the machine. When the transport direction of the machine is consistent with the transport direction of the delivery conveyor 30, the next container 60 is received from the delivery conveyor 30. Then, the second transport section 32 rotates back to Figure 4 Position shown.

[0095] From this return state, the bending and extending link 54 causes the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 to enter the transfer conveyor 3. When the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 hold the two containers 60 placed on the first conveying section 31 and the second conveying section 32, the bending and extending link 54 causes the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 to move to the aforementioned lifting position. The lifting mechanism 4 lifts and lowers the transfer mechanism 5 in this state.

[0096] When the container 60 is conveyed between the transfer mechanism 5 and the delivery conveyor 30D, the transfer mechanism 5 and the transfer conveyor 3 operate in the same manner as described above.

[0097] If the transfer mechanism 5 is to deliver the container 60 to the handover conveyor 30A, the flexion-extension link 54 rotates the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 so that the container 60 faces the conveying direction of the handover conveyor 30A. From this state, the flexion-extension link 54 makes the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 move straight forward in the conveying direction of the handover conveyor 30A until the two containers 60 are delivered to the handover conveyor 30A. The transfer mechanism 5 makes the lifting plate 51 descend at the position when the two containers 60 arrive on the handover conveyor 30A. As a result, the two containers 60 held by the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 are placed on the handover conveyor 30A.

[0098] When the transfer mechanism 5 receives two containers 60 transported by the delivery conveyor 30A, the bending and extending link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 to a position where the two containers 60 can be held. When the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 hold the two containers 60 placed on the delivery conveyor 30A, the bending and extending link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 to the lifting position. The lifting mechanism 4 lifts and lowers the transfer mechanism 5 in this state.

[0099] When the container 60 is transferred between the transfer mechanism 5 and the delivery conveyors 30B and 30C, the transfer mechanism 5 and the transfer conveyor 3 operate in the same manner as when the container 60 is transferred between the transfer mechanism 5 and the delivery conveyor 30A.

[0100] [Effects of implementation methods]

[0101] The inter-layer transport device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a transfer conveyor 3, so that the container 60 is transported between the transfer conveyor 3 and the handover conveyors 30D and 30E. As a result, the distance between the transfer mechanism 5 and the handover conveyors 30D and 30E can be widened while ensuring the transport path of the transfer conveyor 3. Figure 2 In the illustrated structure, the delivery conveyor 30 having the same orientation as the delivery conveyor 30E is arranged between the delivery conveyors 30B and 30D, and the delivery conveyor 30 having the same orientation as the delivery conveyor 30A is arranged between the delivery conveyors 30A and 30E. Therefore, more delivery conveyors 30 can be arranged around the transfer mechanism 5.

[0102] The first conveying section 31 of the transfer conveyor 3 is arranged inside the transfer section 121 of the frame body 1, so that the container 60 is transferred to the transfer mechanism 5 on the inside of the transfer section 121. The second conveying section 32 of the transfer conveyor 3 is arranged outside the transfer section 121 of the frame body 1, specifically, arranged in the notch area L, so that the container 60 is transferred to the transfer conveyor 30 on the outside of the transfer section 121.

[0103] The existing inter-layer transport devices all transfer the container 60 with the transfer conveyor 30 on the inside of the frame body. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the floor space occupied by the frame body in each layer is larger. In contrast, in the above scheme of the present invention, the second transport unit 32 transfers the container 60 relative to the transfer conveyor 30 on the outside of the transfer unit 121, thereby reducing the area of ​​the frame body 1 (transfer unit 121) in each layer. As a result, in the frame body 1, in particular, the material used to constitute the frame 121a of the transfer unit 121 and the material used to constitute the wall 122b of the non-transfer unit 122 can be reduced, and the time-consuming and laborious construction when setting up the frame body 1 can be alleviated.

[0104] In addition, since the transfer portion 121 is formed to have the notch region L, the structure of the frame body 1 is slightly complicated. However, since the complicated portion is only the portion facing the notch region L, the complexity of the frame body 1 can be minimized.

[0105] It should be noted that the transfer unit 121 is arranged at a position higher than the height for people to walk in and out at each level. Therefore, even if the second transport unit 32 is arranged outside the frame body 1 and rotates, there will be no problem of contact with people.

[0106] The second conveying unit 32 rotates in a horizontal plane. Thus, the container 60 can be delivered between the second conveying unit 32 and the delivery conveyors 30D and 30E arranged in different directions. In addition, the second conveying unit 32 can be rotated in a position close to the frame body 1 by rotating in a horizontal plane including the notch region L. Thus, the conveying path of the transfer conveyor 3 can be shortened, thereby preventing the transfer conveyor 3 from being enlarged.

[0107] The frame body 1 has a lower section 11, and the inner areas IR1 and IR3 of the lower section 11 are square. Therefore, except for the part where the transfer conveyor 30 receives the container 60, other parts do not need to form missing corner areas. Therefore, it is not necessary to use special components for constituting the frame body 1 to form the missing corner areas. Therefore, the frame body 1 can be constructed using standard parts as components.

[0108] The blower 40 is disposed on the wall 122b of the non-transfer portion 122 of the frame body 1. The blower 40 with a large air volume can be installed on the wall surface having such a large area in each floor. Thus, a sufficient air volume can be ensured inside the frame body 1.

[0109] Conventionally, the surplus space inside the frame body 1 is used to temporarily store the container 60. On the other hand, if the area of ​​the transfer section 121 is reduced as described above, it becomes impossible to ensure the surplus space inside the transfer section 121. However, by arranging the storage rack 50 inside the lower stage 11F, it is possible to ensure a temporary storage space for the container 60.

[0110] 〔Summarize〕

[0111] As described above, the inter-layer transport device of aspect 1 of the present invention comprises: a lifting section, which holds the transported object to move in the up and down directions between multiple layers, and has a transfer mechanism for transferring the transported object; a transit transport section, which transports the transported object between a handover transport device and the transfer mechanism, wherein the handover transport device performs a handover of the transported object relative to a transport device within the layer to which the transported object is to be transported.

[0112] In the above scheme, the transfer transport unit transports the transported object between the transfer mechanism and the handover transport device. Thus, the distance between the transfer mechanism and the handover transport device can be expanded in a manner that ensures the transport path of the transfer transport unit. Therefore, more handover transport devices can be arranged around the transfer mechanism.

[0113] In the inter-layer transport device of aspect 2 of the present invention based on aspect 1, there is also a frame body that surrounds a part of the transit transport unit and the lifting unit, the transit transport unit is arranged in a manner spanning the inside and outside of the frame body, and the transit transport unit transfers the transported object to the transfer mechanism on the inside of the frame body and transfers the transported object to the transfer transport device on the outside of the frame body.

[0114] In the above scheme, the transfer transport unit exchanges the transported object with the delivery transport device on the outside of the frame body. Therefore, compared with the scheme of exchanging the transported object with the delivery transport device on the inside of the frame body, the floor space occupied by the frame body in each layer can be reduced. Therefore, the frame body can be miniaturized.

[0115] In the inter-layer transport device of aspect 3 of the present invention based on aspect 2, in a specified interval of the frame body along the up-down direction, the inner area along the horizontal plane surrounded by the frame body is square as a whole and a part of the four corner areas of the square are missing, and at least a part of the transport path of the transit transport section is arranged in the notch area corresponding to the missing corner area.

[0116] In the above scheme, the structure of the frame is slightly complicated because the corner area is missing, but the complexity of the frame can be minimized and the transfer transport unit can transfer the transported objects with the transfer transport device outside the frame.

[0117] In the inter-layer transport device of aspect 4 of the present invention based on aspect 3, the transfer transport unit has a rotating unit located in the notch area, and the rotating unit rotates in a horizontal plane and performs delivery of the transported object relative to the delivery transport device.

[0118] In the above scheme, the rotating part of the transfer transport unit rotates, so that the transfer transport device arranged in different directions can be used to transfer the transported object. In addition, the rotating part can rotate in a position close to the frame body by rotating in a horizontal plane including the corner area. As a result, the transport path of the transfer transport unit can be shortened, thereby avoiding the enlargement of the transfer transport unit.

[0119] In the inter-stage transport device according to aspect 5 of the present invention based on aspect 3 or 4, in at least a portion of the section in the up-down direction different from the predetermined section, an inner area along the horizontal plane surrounded by the frame body is in a square shape.

[0120] According to the above scheme, except for the part where the transfer device receives the transported object, no missing corner area is required in other parts. Therefore, there is no need to use special components for forming the frame body to form the missing corner area, but standard components can be used as components to construct the frame body.

[0121] In the inter-stage transport device of aspect 6 of the present invention based on aspect 5, there is further provided an air blower for blowing air toward the inside of the frame body, wherein the air blower is arranged on a wall surface of a certain section along the vertical direction of the square inner area.

[0122] According to the above configuration, the fan can be installed on the wall surface of the frame body which has successfully secured a large area, thereby securing a sufficient air flow to the inside of the frame body.

[0123] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept described in the specification. In addition, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A layer-to-layer transport device, characterized in that: have: A lifting unit that holds a transport object and moves it in a vertical direction between a plurality of layers, and has a transfer mechanism for transferring the transport object; and A transfer transport section transports the transported object between a delivery transport device and the transfer mechanism, wherein the delivery transport device delivers the transported object to an intra-stage transport device that is to transport the transported object.

2. The inter-layer transport device according to claim 1, wherein: The inter-stage transport device further comprises a frame body surrounding a part of the transfer transport unit and the lifting unit. The transfer transport unit is arranged so as to straddle the inside and outside of the frame body, and the transfer transport unit delivers the transported object to the transfer mechanism on the inside of the frame body and delivers the transported object to the delivery transport device on the outside of the frame body.

3. The inter-layer transport device according to claim 2, wherein: In a predetermined section of the frame body along the vertical direction, an inner area along a horizontal plane surrounded by the frame body is generally square, and a part of four corner areas of the square are missing. At least a portion of the conveyance path of the intermediate conveyance unit is disposed in a cutout region corresponding to the missing corner region.

4. The inter-layer transport device according to claim 3, wherein: The transfer conveying unit includes a rotating unit located in the notch region, and the rotating unit rotates in a horizontal plane to deliver the conveyed object to the delivery conveying device.

5. The inter-layer transport device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: In at least a partial section different from the predetermined section in the up-down direction, an inner area along a horizontal plane surrounded by the frame body has a square shape.

6. The inter-layer transport device according to claim 5, wherein: The inter-stage transport device further includes a blower for blowing air toward the inner side of the frame body. The blower is arranged on a wall surface of a certain section along the up-down direction of the square inner area.

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